I was in DC for the past few days to represent the family for the burial of an old friend. He'd been a general in the Army and was laid to rest at Arlington. I know I've been to Arlington before as I spent 7 years of my childhood in Virginia, but I don't think I've ever seen anything quite like this.
In the photo below, note the riderless horse. The horse follows that caisson carrying the flag-draped casket, symbolizing the general's trusty steed, from back in the days when generals rode horses.
It was beautiful, in a traditional way. Thank God for the military where traditions live on.
Amen.
ReplyDeleteWhere at ANC? I’ll have to drop by next time I visit the in-laws in section 43.
ReplyDeleteThe tradition and ceremony are humbling.
ReplyDeleteA good sendoff, I'm sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteOne of the signs my family is extremely blessed is that we don't have anybody I know in Arlington. I'm sure my husband's family has someone-- they're Navy (mostly just one hitch, enlisted) as far back as anybody can find, with a few black-sheep Marines and I think one Army guy, though their reserve service is all over the map. A couple of my mom's relatives "should" have ended up there, but somehow avoided it.